Please discuss the Motorcycle.com article 2012 Japanese Superbike Shootout - Video in our Motorcycle Forums below. Use the reply button to let others know your comments or feedback on the article. Constructive criticism is always appreciated, along with your thoughts and personal opinions on the bikes and products we have tested.

Huss

04-05-2012 04:11 PM

Nice test.

While I understand the ease of then having the best of the Japanese bikes go up against the best of the European bikes, what if there are several European bikes better than the ZX10R?
It would seem that the outcome may suggest that the ZX10R is better than all the Euro bikes apart from the victor.
I guess the point is moot if the ZX10R does beat the best of the Euros, but given that it has already been defeated in all the tests I've read by the previous gen S1000RR, it seems highly unlikely..

jmdonald

04-05-2012 04:30 PM

Surprised

I was a little surprised the Kawi came out on top. You are right it is the best looking of the bunch. I need to try a complete electronics package for myself to see if it really enhances the experience. Nice job you moto-journalist bastards. Keep up the good work.

trenttheuncatchable

04-06-2012 01:15 PM

Re-flashing the ecu on the Kawasaki costs around $375, and can increase the horsepower to a smidgen above the BMW S1000RR. The weak midrange issue goes away, too.

Can the BMW be tuned too? It would seem that you are either testing stock bikes, or modified ones.
Like vs like...

seruzawa

04-06-2012 06:50 PM

These rockets get better and better. Though I'd not call the Yamaha "down on power." It's still nearly 150hp.

I assume 6 footers need not apply if these things are as small as 600s.

Kevin_Duke

04-07-2012 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huss
(Post 274407)

Can the BMW be tuned too? It would seem that you are either testing stock bikes, or modified ones.
Like vs like...

There are countless issues when testing modified bikes, so we'll keep 'em stock. But, yeah, the there's quite a bit more in the BMW, too!

Kevin_Duke

04-07-2012 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seruzawa
(Post 274411)

I assume 6 footers need not apply if these things are as small as 600s.

Depends on how limber you are and if you're willing to fit different clip-ons. Adjustable pegs are a fantastic addition to sportbikes.

The Spaceman

04-08-2012 07:32 AM

Very entertaining guys, thanks for the "hard work" on this. Getting all those wheelie shots without getting busted must be a tricky proposition. Wheelie videos...cool!

I like the Japanese vs. Japanese, Euro vs. Euro, ending with Mothra vs. Frankenstein concept. Looking forward to installments 2 and 3.

About the Gixxer...I read one of the print mag comparos where they installed the Bazzaz T/C system on a 2012. I think it cost under $1,500. Anyway, the T/C took the GSX from the bottom of the heap to the top in a comparable comparo (heh heh...comparable comparo). Suzuki needs to get busy if they want what was once the definitive superbike to remain competitive.

Huss

04-09-2012 02:37 PM

It is interesting how in the mfg release/intro tests of the CBR1000RR it was stated that it was so good no traction control etc was needed.
By pretty much every moto mag I read.
And yet when it is tested against its competitors, that does not seem to be the case.
I could understand this, maybe, if no-one had yet ridden the ZX10R, but seeing that it has been around for a year now, and then won this comparo, well, how sauced did Honda get you guys?
;)